Chapter 2

I woke up to a loud and constant pounding echoing in my skull. What the hell did I drink last night.

"Good morning" someone familiar yelled across the room of cold hard floor which my body lay uncomfortable lay across. Timidly opening my groggy eyes, I stared to make shapes out of blurry image of my surroundings. Well damn it looks like I'm in one of cells in the city guard's barracks. Groaning at the unwelcomingly bright sunlight burning into to my eyes I took stock of the man standing in the open gate to cells. People say your shaped by your choices then this mans only choice was the army. Standing ramrod straight at similar height to myself stood the Major of the guards. Standing in dark armour and dark green cape of the Eastern Rangers army. With the symbols on his right shoulder and plumage of his helmet, which carried in his left arm, identifying his rank. On his back was strapped a two-hand great sword. In his right hand he was carrying two wooden practice swords. This was Major Ronnie Humphrey. Veteran of war and in charge of keeping the peace in the city. he also took pity on me and has been teaching me the way of solider since I was eight. Drilling me in sword, shield and spear.

"get up" He commanded in his gruff voice whilst he left me to myself.

Groaning is rose up on unstable legs stretching my protesting muscles. I followed the major to where I know I will find him in the courtyard. Stumbling into the courtyard I raised a hand to shield myself from the glare of the sun as I took in the scene in front of me. The air was heavy with the sweat and clang of soldiers sparing in the early morning sun. In the centre stood the Major with his helmet on and the two practice swords tucked under one arm. Standing with his captains as the watched their main spar. Walking towards a trough by wall I started to loosen my limbs in preparation of the punishment to come. Splashing cold water onto my face somewhat helped with the pounding in my head I made my way towards the major.

"Major" he turned towards me with a hard glint in his eye he sized me up. I swear with his piercing grey eyes he could see into a man's soul. Nodded to two of his captains by his side, who saluted promptly with a "yes sir!"

He threw the two practice swords to me which I caught deftly in either hand. Slipping into my fighter mentality my heart raced with excitement as I mentally took notes of my opponents. The two captains unsheathed their swords and began to circle me from opposite sides just out of the strike distance. I stood in centre not moving on balls of my feet with both swords pointing towards the ground. Watching carefully for an opening on the indication of an attack I relied on my second nature training in close combat. There, a flash of a sword as one of captains went on the offensive. A strike for my heart I dodged by turning my body to the side. Stepping into the man's guard I raised my right sword to ring the man helmet like bell with the pommel of sword. Swish. Ducking a swipe at my head I turned to spar with a thrust of my right sword which was parried but not quick enough as a swiped his left leg from him with my other sword. The man soon found my right sword above his jugular. Perfect, bathing in my victory with the morning sunlight I turned my attention to the major. The major had smug grin on his face.

"well then major it looks like the standard of your men is dropping" I said in a mocking tone.

"alright laddie you have had your fun even hungover there's not many who can match you with a sword. Unluck for you and lucky for me I'm one of those men who can beat you with a sword"

So, me and the major began sparring go through the forms he taught me at the tender age of eight. Dancing with swords in hand as was in my element. As always when the master and the apprentice clashed swords a hush came over the courtyard. The Major worked over all my training of the different concepts of sword fighting. Whilst point out flaws and advising me on my technique. I was grateful to this man for showing me the way sword. I'm not one to get emotional but I found myself thinking that I'm going to miss are morning bouts and the wisdom of the major.

"you still want to join The White Wardens we could use a man like you in The Rangers?" Asked the major washing of light sweat at the trough. Following suit.

"you know I can't because of Lord Declan's influence over the eastern army"

"Ahh. I see" pondering for a minute.

"that reminds me Lord Declan request your presence in the great hall"

"great the best way to ruin my day" I replied sighing.

"it's probably to do with what you did to Lady Alice's rose garden" The major gives me wink.

"of you go then lad. Can't have them waiting for you"

With that the major walks of back to his duties for the day. With groan I make my way to the great hall and my loving family.